In the framework of the 26th Edition of the International Festival of Poetry in Genoa the initial program focuses on the skies, a screen of transversal projection showing the most diverse concepts, from philosophy to religion, from science to art. On the occasion of the 500th anniversary of Renaissance painter Raphael’s death, an interdisciplinary conference reflects the theoretical approach the two speakers adopt to define their ideas. But reminiscing the evolution of the skies in the fields of astrophysics and in the arts, does not mean to neglect the menacing perspectives of the future like climatic change, global warming and light pollution. This is why contemporary art needs artists of ecological and environmental awareness paired with an ethical spirit, which are fundamental social values.

In order to examine the intersection of astronomy and history of art regarding the representation of the skies, is the objective of this event built on the dialogue between numerous disciplines like astronomy, art, literature, poetry and music. It is not a coincidence that there is also a cultural connection with the skies and with the universe, beside the scientific one, because both, astronomers and artists, are moved by the desire of research and discovery. Once the goal is reached, they remain stunned by magic results and filled with astonishment.

The meeting takes advantage of the presence of Francesca Matteucci, astrophysicist, Institute of Physics and Astronomy,University of Trieste, member of the Scientific Council of the INAF National Institute of Astrophysics, and member of the Academy of Lincei; Elisabeth Vermeer, landscape architect and founder of Design of the Universe (Art&Science). The two lecturers deal with the skies in a complementary manner, from the point of view of science and from the perspective of history of art: how much did artists know about scientific progress and scientists about art?

Francesca Matteucci previously participated in several projects conceived by Elisabeth Vermeer like “Skies denied”, Florence, 2018, dedicated to women’s position in science, in particular in astronomy, and in “Who am I” about women’s struggle to reinforce their independence in the course of history, on the occasion of the “International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2019” in Trieste.

The conference ends with a reading performance by Patrizia Battaglia, contralto and reciting voice at the Teatro Carlo Felice, Genoa, inviting the audience to make a short poetic travel through lyrical opera librettos. Patrizia Battaglia, tireless activist of emancipation, has been engaged for many years in the field of gender equality which has never really been obtained. Her contribution to this project illustrates very well how, in the field of poetry and music, astronomy, the skies, the stars and the solar system, have always been a source of inspiration for creative people that express themselves by means of writing or composing music, to the extent that many of them have reached a remarkable astronomic culture.

The project is the result of the collaboration between the International Festival of Poetry and the Atelier Design of the Universe, engaged since 2010 in producing interdisciplinary projects with the interactive practice of science and art, like previously in some editions of the Festival of Science of Genoa. Partners: Fondazione Palazzo Ducale; Astronomical Observatory Genoa; ArteDisegno snc, Genoa; Calliope Bureau Public Relations.

On Tuesday Septmber 1st at 5pm before the conference at Palazzo Ducale, the Astronomical Observatory of Genoa proposes the observation of the Sun in total security with two appropriate instruments: one with an h-alpha filter for the identification of superficial phenomenons and one with a filter in white light for the individuation of solar spots. The meeting with the visitors is arranged in front of the Stanza della Poesia in Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, 70 (Palazzo Ducale), Genoa.